EXPLANATION OF THE TERMS USED 7
PALMATELY VEINED Where the chief veins of the leaf are palmately arranged.-
(Fig 38 G )
PANICLE A branched raceme, i e a raceme in which the common stalk sends off
lateral branches, which may themselves branch The largest branches are
usually at the base, giving the panicle a roughly pyramidal shape. (Fig 69.)
A flattened panicle becomes a corymb (see footnote on page 4). A group of
flowers may take the form of a panicle without being a branched raceme, e g in
the Privet. The term panicle, therefore, can be taken to mean any loose and
open group of flowers, which has a roughly pyramidal outline, and this is the
sense in which it has been used in this book
PELTATE Attached to the stalk by the centre or one face, and not by the end, as in
the leaf of a nasturtium (Figs 316 and 44 H.)
PERIANTH (P) The outermost floral parts, or floral envelope, i e the calyx and
corolla, especially when there is no clear distinction between the two, or when
one or the other is absent (Figs. 113 D and 127 A-D ) Denoted in the floral
formulae by the letter P.
PERSISTENT Remaining attached, not falling off
PINNATE. Arranged like the divisions of a feather or herring-bone,, i.e arising from
opposite sides of a common axis. Used of compound leaves with pinnate
leaflets. If the leaflets of a pinnate leaf are themselves simple, the leaf is said to
be simply pinnate (Figs. 7-17.) If, however, they are divided into secondary
pinnate leaflets, the leaf is z-pmnate. (Fig. 18 F ) If these secondary leaflets
are again divided, the leaf is ^-pinnate.
PINNATELY LOBED. Where the midribs of the lobes are pinnately arranged
(Figs. 32-36)
PINNATELY VEINED Where the chief side veins arise at intervals from opposite
sides of the midrib. (Fig 58 D.)
PISTIL (G). The organs m the centre of the flower, from which the seed and fruit
directly develop, i.e. the carpel, or carpels taken together, the female organs.
The pistil includes the ovary, style, and stigma, but not the stamens (Fig. 82 c.)
Denoted in the floral formulae by the letter G (from the Greek word gynoecium,
female part).
POLLEN. The yellow dust-like grains that are produced by the stamens (male
organs), and fertilize the ovule. They are usually conveyed to the pistil by
wind or insects.
PROSTRATE. Lying on or near the ground.
RACEME. A group of flowers on a common axis, each flower being stalked and
generally m the axil of a bract. The oldest (fully open) flowers will be found
near the bottom of the axis, and the youngest (unopened buds) at the top. It
follows that the common stalk of a raceme can be clearly traced through the
group as a more or less straight line from base to apex. (Fig 90 F ) See also
Panicle.
RADIAL. Spreading outwards on all sides at approximately the same level like the
spokes of a wheel.
RECEPTACLE. The swollen head of the flower-stalk, on which the floral organs, or
m the ca$e*of a capitulum the flowers, are inserted. In the rose, plum, and
cherry family the receptacle is converted into a cup enclosing the pistil, while
the sepals, petals, and stamens grow from the rim.
RECURVED. Curved downwards or backwards. Also reflexed.
ROUND. Shaped like a ball or a circle.